Santo Remedio - Marylebone

Santo Remedio in Marylebone undeniably exceeds Fooddialect’s typical budget. But for a mid-week second date, I stepped outside the norm and into a more boujee climate. Plus, if Jay Rayner and mi amigo Miv says it’s good, I’m in.

Created by Edson and Natalie, Santo Remedio was founded on one specific mission. To bring the tastes of their Mexican childhood over to London, vowing to keep flavours and ingredients true to what they experienced growing up. After first opening their doors in London Bridge, word spread and they quickly followed up with restaurants in Shoreditch and Marylebone. The name comes from the Mexican expression meaning "holy remedy." And anyone who knows food understands it is the perfect rehabilitation.

In poor form, I walked into the restaurant a couple of minutes late, with my date already sitting at our table. But in proper fashion, we ordered two margaritas right away, with the waiter asking one of my favourite questions in the world: “Spicy or regular?”.

Inside, the atmosphere is effortlessly classy, with a well-stocked back bar as proof and an elegant interior to match. Alongside popular spirits and soft drinks, they showcase a selection of Mexican beverages, from tequila and mezcal-based cocktails to traditional beers and carefully curated wines.

There are four snacks on the a la carte menu to choose from, guacamole, home-made salsa, hibiscus flower sopes or chorizo and cheese corn empanadas. As someone who has never truly got the guac obsession, I made the executive decision to order it for both of us, hoping to have my perspective changed.

It came out in no time. A vibrant and creamy guacamole, made with perfectly ripe avocados, smashed to a silky yet slightly chunky texture. Brightened with fresh lime juice, finely diced red onion, tomato & Jalapeño, and topped with fragrant cilantro (coriander). You even have the option of ordering it with Oaxacan Chapulines (toasted grasshoppers). But I doubt they’re an aphrodisiac or a topping you order under five dates in.

The snack is served with an array of crisp yellow and blue totopos—hand-cut and freshly fried corn tortillas. It’s not just a guacamole dish, but a full sensory experience. Rich, tangy, spicy, crunchy, and utterly unforgettable. I am now a convert and loyal follower of the guac.

For starters, we ordered the Prawn Taco & Sweet Potato Flautas to share. Presented in style, abundance, and loaded with ingredients. The veggie dish comprised of roasted celeriac & sweet potato crispy rolled taco, Chipotle crema, crumbled feta, and pickled red onion. Every mouthful hits you with bold earthy flavours alongside hints of spice. Whilst the creaminess of the feta and delicate taco shell tie it all together. The dish walks a fine line between perfection and overkill, and I admire the boldness.

In contrast, the prawn taco is completely different. You’ve got a nicely seasoned, beautiful meaty prawn encased in batter, nestled within a soft warm tortilla. Accompanied by diced tomato, pink pickled onion and strands of coriander make it a hell of a dish. It is one of those wonderful plates of food that tastes indulgent but leaves you feeling healthy and with a freshness on your pallete.

Next up. Main course. Unfortunately, they were out of the Sea-bass Al Pastor, which is a must-try for next time, alongside their lamb shank and duck dish. We opted for the Pork Shoulder Pibil and Vegetarian Poblano Chile Relleno instead. I’d recommend not ordering the latter if you’ve had the celeriac and sweet potato dish to start. They are quite similar, but it left my date slightly deflated after such an exciting start to the meal.

The pork, on the other hand, was mind-blowingly good. Served on a bed of green banana leaves, strands of slow-cooked, orangy-red pork topped with cilantro and pickled red onions entice you in. To accompany the meat, you're given corn tortillas, fresh lime, and two ramekins filled with diced tomatoes and a surprisingly yellow aioli. In the spirit of good fun and welcomed independence, you build your very own taco, perfectly proportioned with spice and sweetness to your liking.

The whole dish looks beautiful and tastes even better. It’s simply food you can’t wait to dig into. In fact, it’s so appealing that even my vegetarian companion couldn’t resist taking a bite. And it was so good, she even came back for seconds. If that is not a compliment, I don’t know what is.

Three margaritas and a Pacifico Clara (a traditional Mexican lager) down, I naturally became a little more chatty with our server—a charming woman who was visibly proud of the restaurant, its use of traditional Mexican ingredients, and its high-quality produce. And rightfully so. I don’t think I was speaking to one of the founders, but her enthusiasm for the place made it seem entirely possible. Either way, the ideology and passion behind Santo Remedio’s mission have been passed down effectively.

Thank you to the team at Santo Remedio Marylebone. I do hope I’ve had at least a small glimpse into the flavors and nostalgia that shape a Mexican childhood. If this is even a thimbleful of the experience, then I’m heading to Mexico very soon. For me, this restaurant is without a doubt a front-runner in celebrating Mexico’s vibrant culture and delicious cuisine here in London.

13-14 Thayer St, London W1U 3JR

Santo Remedio - Marylebone

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